Your Guide To Getting a Blunt Cut

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You’ve probably noticed a growing number of tastemakers and actresses sporting a blunt cut. Nicole Richie, Miroslava Duma, Erin Wasson, and Emily Blunt are just a few ditching their layers for a single length and we’d argue that fall is the best time to follow suit. The on-trend chop offers a fresh look without the commitment of a color change, while also getting rid of your fried summer ends. Don’t be fooled though; Andy Lecompte, stylist extraordinaire to Richie, Madonna, Heidi Klum, Katie Holmes, and Rachel McAdams says it’s more work than a graduated ‘do. He tells us why—as well as which cuts work best with what texture.

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Fine Hair, Straight to Curly

Have fine hair? A blunt cut is perfect for you because it adds thickness. “It’s best to keep this texture short,” Lecompte says. “Nicole Richie’s hair is fine, and keeping it blunt and short is a very easy style.” Choose any length, from chin to shoulders. For added drama, follow Richie’s lead and go asymmetrical.

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PHOTO: DLM Press, PacificCoastNews.com

Medium Thickness, Wavy

Any length works for this texture, but if your hair tends to get puffy Lecompte suggests having your ends razored on the inner sections to help them lay flat. “Just a little,” he says. “It gives hair a little more shape and helps you avoid that awful triangle look when the ends are too full.”

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Medium to Thick Hair, Straight

Keep your locks shoulder-length or longer for medium to thick hair, says Lecompte, which will provide enough weight to keep it smooth. You’ll also want a few undetectable layers, which will make styling much easier. “Ask for invisible layers in the back,” Lecompte says. “But keep the front corners sharp and blunt.”

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Medium to Thick Hair, Curly

“If you have thick, curly hair, it’s best to keep the length around your collarbone,” Lecompte says. “It’s the easiest to work with at home.” Use a straightening balm or oil to control frizz, blow-dry with a paddle brush, and flat iron the ends, he says. Try Sexy Hair’s Starlight Hair Power Balm ($17) or Lecompte’s favorite oil: Wella’s Oil Reflections ($25).

Not into sleek and smooth? To get Ruby Aldridge’s texture Lecompte suggests starting with wet hair. “It’s a wet styling trick,” he says. ”Spray in some leave-in conditioner and use your fingers to scrunch until you get your hair in place. Let it dry, then spray it with dry shampoo.” Try Bed Head’s Superstar Volumizing Leave-In Conditioner ($16) and Ojon’s Full Detox Rub-Out Dry Shampoo ($24)—and no brushing allowed.

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You can’t go wrong when choosing fringe to accompany your one-length cut, says Lecompte. “I like a side-swept bang because it evens out the bluntness of the length,” he says.

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PHOTO: DLM Press, PacificCoastNews.com

Love drama? Add a sharper bang to emphasize your cut!

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“There’s only one blunt length that I don’t love a bang with,” Lecompte says. “When your hair is a longer than your collarbone—that medium length—and you add a bang, it can look a little soccer mom, but of course there are always exceptions to every rule.”